SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — Just weeks after the county hired a new dog warden and pledged to improve operations following months of controversy at the Scioto County Dog Shelter, residents are once again asking a familiar question:
Where’s the dog warden?
A series of recent calls from across the county illustrates the challenges that continue to face both law enforcement and animal control as dog bite complaints and aggressive dog reports keep coming in.
🐕 Pit Bulls Attack Family Dog in Minford
One of the most troubling incidents happened in Minford, where a homeowner called 911 after reporting that her dog had been attacked on her own property by two neighboring pit bulls.
The caller told dispatch the pit bulls ran down a hill onto her property before disappearing after the attack.
She also expressed frustration, telling dispatchers that the dog warden had responded to complaints about the same dogs several times before but that “nothing has been addressed.”
Deputies responded and attempted to contact the dog warden, but according to the report, they were unable to reach anyone.
The homeowner later called back to report she had been unable to find a veterinarian willing to treat her injured dog.
Deputies documented the incident for further investigation.
🚚 Delivery Driver Bit While Dropping Off Television
In another incident, deputies responded after a delivery driver was bitten while making a delivery to a home in New Boston.
According to the report, the driver was delivering a television when the homeowners opened the door and their dog bit him on the knee.
The driver advised deputies he planned to seek treatment at the emergency room before providing additional information for the investigation.
Deputies documented the bite and completed a report.
🚑 Another Bite Victim Shows Up at Fire Station
A third dog bite call came from Wheelersburg after a woman drove herself to the Vernon Township Fire Department seeking help for a bite to her leg.
A deputy requested both an ambulance and the dog warden.
Dispatch again attempted to contact the dog warden but was unable to make contact.
The woman ultimately refused medical treatment and told first responders she planned to return home instead.
Deputies completed a report documenting the incident.
⚖️ Avery’s Law Raises Expectations
These incidents come as Avery’s Law has placed greater emphasis on investigating dangerous dog complaints and holding owners accountable when attacks occur.
The law strengthened Ohio’s dangerous dog statutes by increasing penalties in certain cases and expanding enforcement options available to authorities.
But stronger laws do not necessarily solve staffing and response issues.
When dog wardens cannot be reached immediately, deputies often find themselves handling the initial investigation while animal control follow-up occurs later.
❗ Residents Want More Than Stronger Laws
The recent string of calls underscores a point many residents have been making for months.
Passing stronger dangerous dog laws is only part of the solution.
Communities also need the personnel and resources necessary to respond when those laws need to be enforced.
For the residents whose pets were attacked—and for the delivery driver simply trying to do his job—the question wasn’t whether Avery’s Law exists.
It was whether someone could respond when they needed help.
